Tipped Upright

Cautiously, and optimistically, I am feeling better lately! In therapy today, I said I felt finally tipped upright instead of feeling tilted half in and out of water. It feels so lovely to be here, and to everyone who said the only way out is through, boy were you correct. In no way do I feel like I’m “through” but I’m moving, and moving feels GOOD. Swim lessons start Wednesday! I will have to update you next month on how they’re going and how much water I’ve ingested. Also, Secret Supper was INCREDIBLE, and I am going to another one in New Orleans in December! Care to join me? Okay, I just checked and it’s sold out, but I recommend one of these at least once! In addition to doing fun things, my creativity has returned full force – I could cry about it. Gallery wall in my new(ish) apartment? Check! Knitting baby blankets like my livelihood depends on it? Absolutely! Pieces of myself have come floating back on this tide and I’m grateful to greet them again.

This week, especially in the news, has been too too much so I’d like this space to be a soft place to land. If nowhere else is, I want today to feel soft and safe for you.

• It’s apple season! Have you felt like your Honeycrisp apples have been lackluster? There are reasons, and you’re not imagining things. Personally, I think you should take those lack luster apples, turn them into apple butter, and make these kolaches. They’re healing. (Serious Eats, Joy the Baker)

• This Chicago high school boys choir is making waves on America’s Got Talent, and maybe I cry every time I see them. (YouTube)

• Bills defensive back, Damar Hamlin’s heart stopped for 10 minutes on the 50 yard line in 2023. I am a fair-weather football watcher, I mostly put it on because my cats enjoy tracking the ball while being 1 inch from the TV. However, I remember this game, and being glued to the screen. He’s literally got a second chance at life, and here’s how he wants to live it. (NYT Gift Link)

• I signed up for a new little something, designed to help you meet new people. It pairs you up with 5 strangers based on your personality, and you have dinner. Sounds simple enough, right? It’s called Time Left (which seems slightly… morbid but hey, okay) and I’m going to sign up for a women-only dinner. I’ll report back!

• Friends, ballet flats are back. They’re back and I assume athlete’s foot is, too. Personally, I still love Rothy’s because the entire shoe, from the insert to outside, is machine washable. No athlete’s foot here! I keep seeing these pop up and I’m unsure how I feel about them, but they’re kinda cute! Oh, goodness. (Nordstrom, GAP)

• Last Sunday, I made Joy’s 4 ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, though mine are 6 ingredients because I add vanilla extract and kosher salt. They never fail to make me so happy. Did I eat all twelve? You know, I don’t see how that’s anyone’s business, but yes. Yes I did. Here’s Joy’s recipe! (Instagram, Joy the Baker)

• You know, I survived the fashion of the early aughts and I’m not hankering to go back, but I am intrigued. Vogue’s fall fashion trends are essentially my sister’s closet in the late 90’s/early 00’s. It’s interesting to see lace trim resurge so strongly. Maybe the new editor of Vogue has some insight! Also, I need a fall fragrance! Help me! (Vogue)

• Alongside my creativity, my capacity for reading arrived with it. I’m trying to really hit my reading goal of 40 books before the year is out and I am at 17. Yikes! Good thing this goal is meaningless, but I enjoy trying to achieve it. Currently, I’m reading Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, on the heels of Ordinary Love, which made me sob. I recommend both! What are you reading lately? (Bookshop.org)

• It is not fall for real, but in my heart and mind? Oh, baby, it’s fall. What’s on your required fall grocery shopping list? You know… maybe it’s time for a Trader Joe’s trip, hmm? (Joy the Baker)